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Coronavirus live news: India cases third-highest globally; flights between Greece and Britain to fully resume Coronavirus live news: India cases third-highest globally; Israel reimposes restrictions after spike in infections
(32 minutes later)
India overtakes Russia with third-highest number of cases; Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on 15 July; Peru cases pass 300,000 India overtakes Russia with third-highest number of cases; bars, clubs, gyms and event halls closed in Israel; Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on 15 July
Pakistan’s health minister has become the country’s latest senior government figure to contract coronavirus.
“I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under (medical) advice I have isolated myself at home & taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers,” Zafar Mirza said on Twitter.
A number of high level officials have tested positive in Pakistan, where rising cases of Covid-19 are putting pressure on the health system.
On Friday, foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced he had the virus, while the minister for railways Sheikh Rasheed and speaker of the lower house of parliament, Asad Qaiser, have also contracted it.
Pakistan has confirmed 229,831 cases and 4,762 deaths in total. Although daily testing numbers are falling, around 4,000 new cases per day continue to be confirmed.
Bars, nightclubs, gyms and event halls have been closed in Israel as restrictions are reimposed to tackle a spike in coronavirus infections.
At a special cabinet meeting on Monday, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country had to reverse course to avoid a wider lockdown that could devastate its economy, where unemployment is above 20%.
Netanyahu said:
A statement issued by the government said in addition to the closure of some leisure and hospitality venues, the number of diners in restaurants will be limited to 20 indoors and 30 outdoors.
Attendance at synagogues has also been capped at 19 worshippers, while buses can only carry up to 20 passengers.
Ireland’s prime minister has warned that authorities may delay the full reopening of pubs after “very worrying” scenes of crowds of revellers outside bars over the weekend.
Photos posted on social media on Saturday showed people packed outside a row of pubs in central Dublin, in apparent violation of social distancing rules imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Bars serving food were allowed to reopen in Ireland last week, while the rest of the country’s pubs were due to follow on July 20.
“It could be delayed. We will get advice from the public health officials. We are worried about it,” Micheál Martin told Cork’s 96FM.
“Some of the scenes that we witnessed are very worrying because social distancing was not being complied with at all during a number of the inspections and the opening hours weren’t being adhered to either.”
Serious weaknesses in Spain’s social security system have been exposed during the pandemic, according to a UN expert.Serious weaknesses in Spain’s social security system have been exposed during the pandemic, according to a UN expert.
Philip Alston, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said:Philip Alston, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said:
In a report on a fact-finding mission he made to the country earlier this year, Alston said millions of citizens who were unable to work had to struggle through delays, glitches and other difficulties to access government support during the lockdown.In a report on a fact-finding mission he made to the country earlier this year, Alston said millions of citizens who were unable to work had to struggle through delays, glitches and other difficulties to access government support during the lockdown.
Alston, whose mandate ended in April, added that although the a new national income scheme adopted by the government in May was ambitious and impressive, it was just the first of many urgently needed measures.Alston, whose mandate ended in April, added that although the a new national income scheme adopted by the government in May was ambitious and impressive, it was just the first of many urgently needed measures.
I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell has a lunch break.I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell has a lunch break.
While thousands of South African students are returning to school Monday after nearly four months when their classes were closed to combat the spread of Covid-19, authorities are debating a return to more restrictive measures because of a surge in cases, Associated Press reports.While thousands of South African students are returning to school Monday after nearly four months when their classes were closed to combat the spread of Covid-19, authorities are debating a return to more restrictive measures because of a surge in cases, Associated Press reports.
South African students in grades 6 and 11 started classes Monday, as the second stage of a phased reopening of schools. The first group of pupils, from grades 7 and 12, returned to classes last month. Returning learners were required to produce indemnity forms signed by their parents granting them permission to resume classes.South African students in grades 6 and 11 started classes Monday, as the second stage of a phased reopening of schools. The first group of pupils, from grades 7 and 12, returned to classes last month. Returning learners were required to produce indemnity forms signed by their parents granting them permission to resume classes.
South Africa’s government last week won a legal challenge permitting it to proceed with reopening schools. The lawsuit had said that schools should remain closed because of the danger of the disease spreading among learners and teachers.South Africa’s government last week won a legal challenge permitting it to proceed with reopening schools. The lawsuit had said that schools should remain closed because of the danger of the disease spreading among learners and teachers.
However, in recent days the government has postponed plans for further grades to return to class amid a quickening speed in the rise of confirmed Covid-19 cases. South Africa had 196,750 cases as of Monday, more than 40% of all the cases reported by Africa’s 54 countries. South Africa has recorded 3,199 deaths.However, in recent days the government has postponed plans for further grades to return to class amid a quickening speed in the rise of confirmed Covid-19 cases. South Africa had 196,750 cases as of Monday, more than 40% of all the cases reported by Africa’s 54 countries. South Africa has recorded 3,199 deaths.
Health minister Zwelini Mkhize said on Monday that the government is considering reimposing restrictions, especially in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, because of the country’s rapid rise in cases and hospitalisations.Health minister Zwelini Mkhize said on Monday that the government is considering reimposing restrictions, especially in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, because of the country’s rapid rise in cases and hospitalisations.
The usually grand Baalbek Music Festival, set among 3,000-year-old Roman ruins in Lebanon, was reduced to just a single concert this year by the Covid-19 pandemic. For maestro Harout Fazlian, however, it was one of the most special of his career.The usually grand Baalbek Music Festival, set among 3,000-year-old Roman ruins in Lebanon, was reduced to just a single concert this year by the Covid-19 pandemic. For maestro Harout Fazlian, however, it was one of the most special of his career.
On a stage in the ancient temple of Bacchus, Fazlian conducted the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and three choirs in an hour-long concert that included works by the Lebanese composer brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani, Verdi and Beethoven.On a stage in the ancient temple of Bacchus, Fazlian conducted the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and three choirs in an hour-long concert that included works by the Lebanese composer brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani, Verdi and Beethoven.
There were no crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, but the performance, captured by 14 cameras and drones, was broadcast live on almost all the main Lebanese TV stations as well as streamed online.There were no crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, but the performance, captured by 14 cameras and drones, was broadcast live on almost all the main Lebanese TV stations as well as streamed online.
“Every person will have a front-row seat,” said Fazlian, who came up with the idea during Lebanon’s coronavirus lockdown two months ago.“Every person will have a front-row seat,” said Fazlian, who came up with the idea during Lebanon’s coronavirus lockdown two months ago.
Lebanon’s glamorous music festivals – which once attracted jazz legends like Nina Simone, and the great Arab singers Um Kulthoum and Fairouz – were already struggling. Economic woes and regional conflict hit organizers in recent years.Lebanon’s glamorous music festivals – which once attracted jazz legends like Nina Simone, and the great Arab singers Um Kulthoum and Fairouz – were already struggling. Economic woes and regional conflict hit organizers in recent years.
Fazlian said he wanted to send “a message of hope and solidarity” as Lebanon sinks deep into the worst financial meltdown of its history, compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic.Fazlian said he wanted to send “a message of hope and solidarity” as Lebanon sinks deep into the worst financial meltdown of its history, compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic.
His was the only concert of the Baalbek music festival this year, Lebanon’s oldest, which since 1956 helped make the country a cultural lodestar for the region.His was the only concert of the Baalbek music festival this year, Lebanon’s oldest, which since 1956 helped make the country a cultural lodestar for the region.
Nayla De Freij, the head of the Baalbek festival committee, said all the artists and technicians worked on Sunday’s massive project for free, adding:Nayla De Freij, the head of the Baalbek festival committee, said all the artists and technicians worked on Sunday’s massive project for free, adding:
Kuwait reported 538 new infections on Monday, bringing its total tally to 50,644 and 373 deaths.Kuwait reported 538 new infections on Monday, bringing its total tally to 50,644 and 373 deaths.
The Gulf state initiated a five-phase plan at the start of June to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions, including partially restarting commercial flights from 1 August.The Gulf state initiated a five-phase plan at the start of June to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions, including partially restarting commercial flights from 1 August.
A partial curfew remains in place.A partial curfew remains in place.
Bulgaria will clamp down on people who fail to observe obligatory social distancing in public spaces or wear protective face masks indoors as new cases of the coronavirus surged, the health minister Kiril Ananiev said on Monday.Bulgaria will clamp down on people who fail to observe obligatory social distancing in public spaces or wear protective face masks indoors as new cases of the coronavirus surged, the health minister Kiril Ananiev said on Monday.
The Balkan country of 7 million people has registered 5,740 cases and 246 deaths. New cases in the past week alone totalled 1,049.The Balkan country of 7 million people has registered 5,740 cases and 246 deaths. New cases in the past week alone totalled 1,049.
Ananiev said he would extend the state of epidemic emergency in the country until the end of July to allow him to be more flexible and issue special orders if needed.Ananiev said he would extend the state of epidemic emergency in the country until the end of July to allow him to be more flexible and issue special orders if needed.
He urged local authorities to enforce compliance with anti-infection measures and limit large public events. Fines for failing to comply with distancing and other measures would be more strictly imposed.He urged local authorities to enforce compliance with anti-infection measures and limit large public events. Fines for failing to comply with distancing and other measures would be more strictly imposed.
On Monday, health officials in central city of Veliko Tarnovo said 23 out of 42 people who attended a school prom at the end of June tested positive for the infection. Ananiev told reporters that 20 players and officials from two top division soccer clubs had tested positive and warned that Bulgaria might ban public attendance at football matches.Bulgaria has lifted most of the restrictions linked to the coronavirus, opening bars, restaurants and allowing free travel to help the economy recover and does not plan to tighten measures for the time being.On Monday, health officials in central city of Veliko Tarnovo said 23 out of 42 people who attended a school prom at the end of June tested positive for the infection. Ananiev told reporters that 20 players and officials from two top division soccer clubs had tested positive and warned that Bulgaria might ban public attendance at football matches.Bulgaria has lifted most of the restrictions linked to the coronavirus, opening bars, restaurants and allowing free travel to help the economy recover and does not plan to tighten measures for the time being.
Troops in Serbia set up an emergency 500-bed field hospital Monday, a day after neighbouring Kosovo re-imposed a nighttime curfew in four cities, as the Balkans battled to contain a surge in coronavirus infections that underscored the risks of swiftly easing lockdowns.Troops in Serbia set up an emergency 500-bed field hospital Monday, a day after neighbouring Kosovo re-imposed a nighttime curfew in four cities, as the Balkans battled to contain a surge in coronavirus infections that underscored the risks of swiftly easing lockdowns.
The makeshift hospital in a sports hall in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, is a precautionary measure as hospitals in the capital are reaching their capacity because of the coronavirus outbreak, the city’s deputy mayor, Goran Vesic, said. Serbian infections have returned to levels last seen at the peak of the pandemic in the Balkan country in March and April.The makeshift hospital in a sports hall in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, is a precautionary measure as hospitals in the capital are reaching their capacity because of the coronavirus outbreak, the city’s deputy mayor, Goran Vesic, said. Serbian infections have returned to levels last seen at the peak of the pandemic in the Balkan country in March and April.
Serbia’s rising infections provide a chilling insight into how the virus, while retreating in much of Europe, can roar back if lockdowns are lifted too swiftly.Serbia’s rising infections provide a chilling insight into how the virus, while retreating in much of Europe, can roar back if lockdowns are lifted too swiftly.
The country went from having some of Europe’s toughest lockdown measures to a near-complete reopening at the beginning of May. Soccer and tennis matches were played in front of packed stands, resulting in several players testing positive. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and other players also caught the virus following an event he organised in Serbia and the Croatian Adriatic resort of Zadar.The country went from having some of Europe’s toughest lockdown measures to a near-complete reopening at the beginning of May. Soccer and tennis matches were played in front of packed stands, resulting in several players testing positive. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and other players also caught the virus following an event he organised in Serbia and the Croatian Adriatic resort of Zadar.
Greece moved to contain the burgeoning threat by banning Serbs from crossing its only open land border from Monday morning. The new restrictions caused a seven-kilometer (four-mile) traffic jam at the Promahonas border crossing with Bulgaria. Authorities eventually allowed scores of cars into Greece that had been trapped overnight.Greece moved to contain the burgeoning threat by banning Serbs from crossing its only open land border from Monday morning. The new restrictions caused a seven-kilometer (four-mile) traffic jam at the Promahonas border crossing with Bulgaria. Authorities eventually allowed scores of cars into Greece that had been trapped overnight.
On Sunday, Kosovo’s prime minister Avdullah Hoti reimposed nighttime curfews in the capital, Pristina, and three other cities with sharply rising infection rates. Public transport also was hit, with bus seating cut by half.On Sunday, Kosovo’s prime minister Avdullah Hoti reimposed nighttime curfews in the capital, Pristina, and three other cities with sharply rising infection rates. Public transport also was hit, with bus seating cut by half.
A day earlier Kosovar authorities reported eight deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily number in the western Balkan country since the start of the outbreak in March. New daily cases were 178, also the highest so far.A day earlier Kosovar authorities reported eight deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily number in the western Balkan country since the start of the outbreak in March. New daily cases were 178, also the highest so far.
The number of coronavirus cases in Qatar exceeded 100,000 on Monday, adding 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.The number of coronavirus cases in Qatar exceeded 100,000 on Monday, adding 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.
Qatar, which has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of 2,355 in late May, added 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours to give a total of 133 deaths and 100,345 cases in total.Qatar, which has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of 2,355 in late May, added 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours to give a total of 133 deaths and 100,345 cases in total.
Only about 12% of its population are Qatari nationals and, as in other Gulf states, Qatar saw Covid-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters.Only about 12% of its population are Qatari nationals and, as in other Gulf states, Qatar saw Covid-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters.
With a population of about 2.8 million people, the energy-rich Gulf state has one of the world’s highest per capita number of confirmed cases.With a population of about 2.8 million people, the energy-rich Gulf state has one of the world’s highest per capita number of confirmed cases.
Qatar, which did not impose curfews, began a four-phase lifting of restrictions on 15 June. The second phase began on 1 July, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks.Qatar, which did not impose curfews, began a four-phase lifting of restrictions on 15 June. The second phase began on 1 July, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks.
Qatar has the second highest number of cases after much larger Saudi Arabia in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which together have recorded more than 489,000 cases and 3,000 deaths.Qatar has the second highest number of cases after much larger Saudi Arabia in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which together have recorded more than 489,000 cases and 3,000 deaths.
Results from the final stage of a nationwide antibody study showed some 5.2% of the Spanish population has been exposed to the coronavirus, health officials said on Monday, confirming findings from earlier stages and adding to evidence that so-called “herd immunity” to Covid-19 is not realistic.Results from the final stage of a nationwide antibody study showed some 5.2% of the Spanish population has been exposed to the coronavirus, health officials said on Monday, confirming findings from earlier stages and adding to evidence that so-called “herd immunity” to Covid-19 is not realistic.
Reuters reports that the study, which tested nearly 70,000 people across Spain three times over the past three months, found the virus’ prevalence had not altered significantly since preliminary results were published in May.Reuters reports that the study, which tested nearly 70,000 people across Spain three times over the past three months, found the virus’ prevalence had not altered significantly since preliminary results were published in May.
It also suggested that immunity to the virus can be short-lived, with 14% of participants who tested positive for antibodies in the first stage subsequently testing negative in the last stage.It also suggested that immunity to the virus can be short-lived, with 14% of participants who tested positive for antibodies in the first stage subsequently testing negative in the last stage.
“Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear,” said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study.“Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear,” said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study.
The loss of immunity was most common among people who never developed symptoms.The loss of immunity was most common among people who never developed symptoms.
Speaking at a news conference, she appealed to Spaniards to remain prudent, particularly those who had recovered from the virus and considered themselves immune. She said”Speaking at a news conference, she appealed to Spaniards to remain prudent, particularly those who had recovered from the virus and considered themselves immune. She said”
The report reads:The report reads:
The key finding is that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed to Covid-19, even in hotspot areas and despite Spain being one of the worst-affected European countries (with more than 28,000 deaths and 250,000 plus cases), according to a Lancet commentary published alongside the findings.The key finding is that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed to Covid-19, even in hotspot areas and despite Spain being one of the worst-affected European countries (with more than 28,000 deaths and 250,000 plus cases), according to a Lancet commentary published alongside the findings.
The Spanish study’s lead author, Marina Pollán, who is director of the National Center for Epidemiology, told CNN:The Spanish study’s lead author, Marina Pollán, who is director of the National Center for Epidemiology, told CNN:
With a large majority of the population being infection naive, virus circulation can quickly return to early pandemic dimensions in a second wave once measures are lifted, reads the Lancet commentary, which emphasises the need for maintaining preventative public health measures.With a large majority of the population being infection naive, virus circulation can quickly return to early pandemic dimensions in a second wave once measures are lifted, reads the Lancet commentary, which emphasises the need for maintaining preventative public health measures.
Vietnam’s health ministry on Monday reported 14 new coronavirus infections, all among Vietnamese citizens held in quarantine upon their arrival from overseas.
The southeast Asian country has been 81 days without a domestically transmitted infection due to successful programmes to contain the virus.
It has yet to report any deaths from Covid-19 and has confirmed 369 cases in total, over 90% of which have recovered.
Paris’ Louvre Museum, which houses the world’s most famous portrait, reopened Monday after a four-month coronavirus lockdown and without its usual huge throngs, the Associated Press reports.
Face masks were a must and visitor numbers were limited, with reservations required. Among the trickle of returning tourists was Zino Vandenbeaghen, who travelled from Belgium to enjoy the unusual space at both the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles.
It’s super,” he said. “The ideal moment to visit.”
About 70% of the giant museum 45,000 square meters (484,000 square feet) of space, or the equivalent of 230 tennis courts housing 30,000 of the Louvre’s vast trove of works is again accessible to visitors starved of art in lockdown.
It’s very emotional for all the teams that have prepared this reopening, said Jean-Luc Martinez, the museum director.
The bulk of visitors to what was the world’s most-visited museum before the pandemic used to come from overseas, led by travellers from the United States.
Americans are still barred from the European Union that is gradually reopening its borders. The Louvre is hoping the reopening will attract visitors from closer to home, including the Paris region, but is bracing for a plunge in numbers.
Martinez said the museum was expecting just 7,000 visitors on the reopening day. Before the pandemic, as many as 50,000 people per day toured the Louvre in the busiest summer months.
Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Monday a phased re-opening of the country from a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, lifting restrictions in and out of the capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.
In a televised address, Kenyatta said:
Kenyatta extended the current nationwide nightly curfew between 9pm and 4am for a further 30 days.
He said that international commercial travel would resume from 1 August, while domestic flights are scheduled to restart on 15 July.
Mosque and churches will be allowed to host services again, but for a maximum of an hour with only 100 worshippers allowed at a time.
But the president warned that should the situation worsen over the next few weeks the country could be locked down again.
Kenya has confirmed nearly than 7,900 cases of the coronavirus as of July 6, with 160 deaths. The outbreak has battered the economy, with the finance ministry projecting growth to slow to 2.5% this year from 5.4% last year, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kenyatta said the reopening of the country came with risks, and urged Kenyans to take precautions.
“Although the path to recovery is rocky and uneven, it is navigable,” he said, adding:
It’s official! Greece has just announced that as of next week, Wednesday, it will be lifting its ban on travel from the UK and permitting direct flights to popular destinations nationwide.
The decision to re-open air links was made in conjunction with British authorities, the government spokesman Stelios Petsas told reporters. It will be the first time since March, when flights to and from the UK were suspended, that air travel will be resumed.
Until now getting to Greece required travelling through third countries although with London advising citizens to engage in essential travel only it was not encouraged.
The British prime minister’s own father, Stanley Johnson, in flagrant breach of that advice flew to Greece via Bulgaria, last Wednesday, to visit his villa in central Pelion before the two-story, four-bedroom establishment is let to holidaymakers who can afford its £2,100 weekly rates.
Despite widespread condemnation, Boris Johnson has refused to criticise his father, a former MEP who has come to support his son’s embrace of Brexit. Johnson senior explained the visit saying he needed to “Covid-proof” the villa. Government sources say the UK’s “greatly improved epidemiological data” had finally convinced the committee of scientists advising prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ centre-right administration to lift the ban.
UK tourists top Greece’s league tables in terms of foreign earnings.
In the Ionian isles, where close to 70% of tourism revenues are linked to British holidaymakers, the news will be received with euphoria.
Corfu, Cephalonia and Zakynthos have been almost empty since Athens lifted its ban on direct flights to the country’s 18 regional airports on 1 July - with the exception of the UK and Sweden.
Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on 15 July, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday, as Athens moves to salvage its vital summer tourist season.
Pestas told a news briefing:
It comes after Greece extended its ban on UK visitors for another two weeks after reopening its borders to some foreign travellers on 1 July, as European nations moved to ease their lockdowns further.
The country placed restrictions on travellers from Sweden and the UK as well as other countries with large coronavirus caseloads, including the US, Brazil and Russia.
The Mediterranean nation has suffered a comparatively low number of infections (3,519 confirmed) and deaths (192 reported) after acting quickly to contain its coronavirus outbreak.
With tourism accounting for about a quarter of its economy, Greece moved to bring back visitors whilst continuing to protect its population.
Crowds of drinkers who gathered in city centre streets over the weekend have prompted an outcry in Ireland, with doctors, publicans and politicians warning of dire consequences, writes Rory Carroll in Dublin.
Revellers clustered in the centres of Cork and Dublin in scenes not seen since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maitiú Ó Tuathail, former president of the National Association of General Practitioners, told RTE he had finished working at the ambulance service and was driving through central Dublin at 10pm on Saturday when he encountered “anxiety inducing” scenes.
“After last night I really think we’re weeks away from a second wave and my colleagues on the front line are just not ready for it psychologically.” It felt like an All Ireland football final night – and that Dublin had won, he said. “There were guards everywhere and they were doing their best but it was just completely rammed.”
The Licensed Vintners Association said the lack of social distancing jeopardised public health. “Unfortunately scenes like this have been taking place over the last few weekends in Dublin city centre.”
The street drinkers brought their own booze or bought from pubs operating take-out services. Restaurants and pubs started reopening last Monday with restrictions.
Simon Harris, the former health minister, tweeted: “C’mon everyone. We’ve come too far to go back. Great to see our economy reopened and social life resuming but let’s keep using our cop on and common sense.”
Hello everyone. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the next eight hours or so to bring you the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work - your contributions are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
Forty-four more people have died from Covid-19 in Bangladesh, according to the latest update from health authorities, as 3,201 more people tested positive for the coronavirus that causes it.
The total death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in the south Asian country is now 2,096, while 76,149 have recovered, from a total caseload of 165,618. So far, 863,307 tests have been carried out in the country.
TBS News reports that 63,801 people are quarantined across the country.
Wearing masks on public transport has become mandatory across Switzerland from today, a U-turn from the alpine country in the face of a rising number of new infections, writes Philip Oltermann, the Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief.
Until this week, Swiss officials had advised commuters to wear face masks on public transport during rush-hour.
Simonetta Sommaruga, the president of the Swiss confederation, conceded in an interview with Tagesanzeiger that the country should have introduced a mask-wearing rule for public transport at an earlier stage.
“But we wanted to see how the situation would develop – and now we have interfered where necessary,” Sommaruga said.
Switzerland began to ease social distancing restrictions more widely and rapidly than most other European states from 30 May, with bars and nightclubs having been allowed to serve customers since 6 May.
Three hundred people were sent into a 10-day quarantine on 28 June following an outbreak of Covid-19 at a nightclub in Zurich. Switzerland has recorded 617 confirmed new infections in the last seven days.
The Guardian’s daily rundown of coronavirus cases and deaths around the world has been updated.
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